Updated social media guidance for social service workers

18/10/2017

We have published updated Social media guidance for social service workers.

The guidance provides advice for workers on using social media in a way that meets the SSSC Code of Practice, which sets out the expected behaviours and values of the workforce. It focuses on issues registrants and other stakeholders come across most frequently.

Many of us use social media every day to keep in touch with friends and family. Lots of social services and organisations also use it to promote the work they do and share good practice, ideas and knowledge.

It’s important however for workers to remember their role as a professional social service worker and the need to maintain boundaries between that and their personal life. The updated guidance covers:

what social media is

sharing information

maintaining boundaries

protecting yourself.

The SSSC Chief Executive, Anna Fowlie said:

‘I’m a keen Twitter user and it can be a great way to share information, connect with people and promote what you do. Most people on our Register will use social media responsibly and in line with our standards. However, we know that they often have questions or concerns. This updated guidance will help them use social media in a way that doesn’t conflict with their professional social service role by highlighting the Codes of Practice and the need to use careful judgement when online.

‘I hope it gives workers the confidence to use social media appropriately and make the most of it to support their professional practice by connecting with a huge range of people and organisations.’

The updated guidance is online with common questions and examples of fitness to practise cases involving social media that we’ve investigated.

It also links to our Making better decisions learning resource which simulates real life scenarios workers can face, including one on social media, and allows them to decide what to do in a safe environment: http://learn.sssc.uk.com/ftp/

Updated social media guidance for social service workers was last modified: October 18th, 2017 by Alison Robertson